YOU HAVE A SHEPHERD!
Micah 5: 4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the LORD.
The prophet Micah is one of a group of prophets who are known as the Minor Prophets. The name Micah means ‘who is like Jehovah’ and proves that this prophet was a servant of the one true God, the God of Israel. He prophesied during the same time as Isaiah, and in fact confirmed predictions made by Isaiah.
Having pointed out how low the house of David would sink, the prophet now turns attention to the hope of Israel and indeed all people which would be found in the birth of the messiah. Micah points out that this ruler has been in existence for all times. However he would come as a human being, born in Bethlehem Ephrathah. Mi. 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
in the strength of the LORD.
The prophet Micah is one of a group of prophets who are known as the Minor Prophets. The name Micah means ‘who is like Jehovah’ and proves that this prophet was a servant of the one true God, the God of Israel. He prophesied during the same time as Isaiah, and in fact confirmed predictions made by Isaiah.
Having pointed out how low the house of David would sink, the prophet now turns attention to the hope of Israel and indeed all people which would be found in the birth of the messiah. Micah points out that this ruler has been in existence for all times. However he would come as a human being, born in Bethlehem Ephrathah. Mi. 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
This very verse was quoted by Matthew as he sought to establish the place of Christ in prophecy. Matt. 2: 6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel. The Bethlehem was specified [Ephrathah] since there was another Bethlehem up north.
Here we have then an Israel, under threat from the Assyrians, being promised protection, being promised salvation. Oh how this gives us the comfort of knowing that the church, under siege from all sides, threatened from within and without, is the recipient of this promise of protection from the designs and attempts of the powers of darkness! What comfort we can enjoy as Christians since this protection is indeed extended to us! It is our shepherd Christ who is our Peace as Priest, making atonement for our sins and reconciling us to God. It is the same Christ who is our Peace as a King, conquering our enemies. We can therefore live in peace and security with Him. It is He who will protect and it is He who will deliver. Why should we worry, why should we fret? Has He ever failed us yet? Has any ever threatened to bring ruin to the church of God and not end up bringing ruin upon themselves? Will God sit idly by and allow His people to suffer at the hands of those who seek to destroy them? This must cover the past powerful effect of the preached word, the future spread of the gospel and the eventual fall and destruction of all antichristian powers. He may be despised and rejected for a while, but we shall behold Him exalted on high, Lord of all creation.
Let us therefore trust in our ShepherdÂ’s care and power. If He allows the assault of the enemies of the church upon the church, then He also will supply helpers and assistance for His church. If He unleashes the attacks of our enemies upon us, then He surely will provide our defense. If He brings us to it, He surely will bring us through it.
So what has the enemy been throwing at you lately? Are you feeling as if you are alone in your struggles? Are you feeling as if you have been left to go it alone? No my friend! You are never alone! Remember the song ‘I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll, …. He’s promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone’. Take courage today then that we have a shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is prepared to stand with us and guide us, and who is prepared to shield and defend us with the strength and power of the Lord God of Hosts. No longer do we need to feel like sheep without a shepherd, harassed at all sides, rather, let us be comforted with the thought that ‘as long as the Lord remains our Shepherd, all our needs will be supplied.’ That includes emotional, financial, physical and spiritual needs. Yes friends, whatever you face, I encourage you to always remember, there is one who cares for and supports you, who stands to your defense, who is in your corner. You have a shepherd!
Until next Tuesday, be blessed.
Here we have then an Israel, under threat from the Assyrians, being promised protection, being promised salvation. Oh how this gives us the comfort of knowing that the church, under siege from all sides, threatened from within and without, is the recipient of this promise of protection from the designs and attempts of the powers of darkness! What comfort we can enjoy as Christians since this protection is indeed extended to us! It is our shepherd Christ who is our Peace as Priest, making atonement for our sins and reconciling us to God. It is the same Christ who is our Peace as a King, conquering our enemies. We can therefore live in peace and security with Him. It is He who will protect and it is He who will deliver. Why should we worry, why should we fret? Has He ever failed us yet? Has any ever threatened to bring ruin to the church of God and not end up bringing ruin upon themselves? Will God sit idly by and allow His people to suffer at the hands of those who seek to destroy them? This must cover the past powerful effect of the preached word, the future spread of the gospel and the eventual fall and destruction of all antichristian powers. He may be despised and rejected for a while, but we shall behold Him exalted on high, Lord of all creation.
Let us therefore trust in our ShepherdÂ’s care and power. If He allows the assault of the enemies of the church upon the church, then He also will supply helpers and assistance for His church. If He unleashes the attacks of our enemies upon us, then He surely will provide our defense. If He brings us to it, He surely will bring us through it.
So what has the enemy been throwing at you lately? Are you feeling as if you are alone in your struggles? Are you feeling as if you have been left to go it alone? No my friend! You are never alone! Remember the song ‘I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll, …. He’s promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone’. Take courage today then that we have a shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is prepared to stand with us and guide us, and who is prepared to shield and defend us with the strength and power of the Lord God of Hosts. No longer do we need to feel like sheep without a shepherd, harassed at all sides, rather, let us be comforted with the thought that ‘as long as the Lord remains our Shepherd, all our needs will be supplied.’ That includes emotional, financial, physical and spiritual needs. Yes friends, whatever you face, I encourage you to always remember, there is one who cares for and supports you, who stands to your defense, who is in your corner. You have a shepherd!
Until next Tuesday, be blessed.
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